Marijuana supporters across the country are preparing to light-up Friday, in observance of the annual 420 celebration. And, as battles to legalize the drug continue in many places, one local group is jumping into the fight.
The West Michigan group of pro-cannabis businesses is "Green Gate Health." Members say while 420 is all about lighting up, they want 419 to be about standing up.
Right now, they are pushing a, "Be Brave for Cannabis" initiative. Between 9 a.m. and noon, Thursday, April 19, they will be taking to social media platforms encouraging people to bring attention to issues surrounding marijuana.
Those issues include the science behind the drug, health benefits and recent crackdowns on dispensaries.
The group is asking people to share their personal stories of how marijuana has impacted their lives. And, for those who do not use it, the group is asking that they support the freedom of choice and make those views public.
Undoubtedly, there will be those who voice opposition as well. However, recent polls indicate, upwards of 60 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana. The most recent data show 44 percent of Americans over the age of 12 have used marijuana at least once in their lifetime.
Currently, Michigan allows the use of medical marijuana. There is an ongoing effort to put a proposal on the ballot this November, that if passed would legalize marijuana use for recreational purposes.
Michigan's sales for medical marijuana are expected to be more than $700 million a year when the market is fully developed.
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